BM-40 (osteonectin, SPARC [secreted protein, acidic, rich in cysteine]) is a highly conserved, matrix-associated protein that is found in basement membranes, bones and remodeling tissues throughout vertebrate evolution. We are reporting the characterization of the 5' end of the human BM-40 gene. Sequence comparison of the 5' region revealed significant homologies with the bovine and murine genes, including a purine-rich stretch composed of two boxes, GGA-box 1 and 2, separated by a pyrimidine… CONTINUE READING